Gemotions

The invitation, a garish flyer with flashing neon colours, lay crumpled on the kitchen table. Liam’s, in stark contrast to Chloe’s sophisticated, understated email, announced a party on the exact same day. Chloe felt a tremor in her hands.

She picked up her phone and cancelled all her RSVPs. Her elegant, reserved gathering suddenly seemed utterly lacking. She felt a profound sense of inadequacy, as if her own carefully cultivated plans were inherently flawed.

The luxurious catering she'd arranged, the carefully chosen playlist, all felt like an expensive, and futile, gesture. She was glad she did not buy the fancy dress.